West Lake, Iowa: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  West Lake stands in Des Moines County, Iowa. Height above sea level is 640 feet. The water measures roughly 5 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is low-lying compared with other Iowa water we list. You are 0.6 miles from West Burlington. The nearest city of size is Davenport, 57 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on West Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Des Moines County: freshwater drum, channel catfish, white sucker, yellow bass and bluegill. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to West Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 76°F and January about 22°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. After mid March the shallows warm and the fish move up. In an average year the thaw lands around mid March and the freeze near mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to West Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. The water sits inside or beside a nature reserve, so expect extra rules. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Izaak Walton Lake is 0.2 miles off. None of that is settled for West Lake in what we hold.